LAMBOURN has been described by Aidan O’Brien as having similar traits to his sire Australia ahead of the Derby hero’s bid to follow in the footsteps of his father in tomorrow’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (4.10).

Coolmore’s latest classic winner is out to become the 20th Epsom-Curragh double achiever in the modern era, and will have to confirm his superiority over old foes Lazy Griff and Tennessee Stud in order to do so.

There is a slice of history on the line too for Ryan Moore, who takes over from Wayne Lordan on the three-and-three-quarter-length Epsom scorer. Having had this classic evade him from his first ride in the race in 2007 until plundering the prize in 2023, he is now chasing a third consecutive Irish Derby success. No rider, at least in modern times, has managed to pull off that feat.

O’Brien, who is chasing a record-extending 17th Irish Derby, said: “Lambourn is a lovely horse. Like Australia, he’s an absolute gentleman. He has a great mind, stays well and is uncomplicated. I promise you, he’s a lovely horse to do anything with. He’s one of those unique horses; scopey and classy.”

Speaking to World Pool, he added: “We were delighted with him at Epsom. He’s a very off-handed horse and Wayne gave him a beautiful ride on the day. Ryan had ridden him the same at Chester, forward, and he’s uncomplicated. When you have a horse like that who’s not ever held hostage to any other horse in the race, the pace or anything like that, he’s just so straightforward.

“He’s a typical Australia. Australia was the only horse we ever had here that had no fight or flight response, and he’s the same. When you put him first gear, he stays there. Same with second, third and fourth gear and up along. He’s not influenced by any of his surroundings or any horse around him - he’s a total independent thinker. Those types of horses are really a pleasure to deal with.”

Leger possible

On whether he could be a St Leger candidate in time, O’Brien said: “Yes, I think so. He stays very well and got the mile and a half very well at Chester and Epsom.”

Ballydoyle are responsible for five of the 10-strong field, and bookmakers reckon Lingfield Derby Trial winner Puppet Master is his best chance of the remainder.

“We were delighted with him at Lingfield,” said O’Brien. “He’s another very off-handed, very straightforward type who should get the trip fine and should love the Curragh. We were very happy with him in his last piece of work. He usually sits in behind the pace, quickens and stays well.”

A first Irish Derby victory would clearly mean the world to Jessica Harrington, and hopes are high inside the Commonstown team that Green Impact can excel on this first try beyond nine furlongs.

“Winning an Irish Derby would very much be top of the list, I would love to win it,” said Harrington.

“I think he’ll benefit for the step up in trip, he won over a mile as a two-year-old and, usually, if they do that they stay. He’s by Wootton Bassett and out of a Galileo mare and he’s also a very laid-back character and very relaxed and easy to do anything with, so I think he will stay.”